Cricket no more a gentleman's game: Prasanna

Terming the BCCI's Emergent Working Committee meeting in Chennai a sham, former spin legend Erapalli Prasanna on Monday (June 3) said that money is ruling the sport now and it is no more a gentleman's game.

"The entire controversy is not going to affect the popularity of cricket in India as we have seen packed stadiums in the Indian T20 League. There is an immense following for the game here but I can see the gentleman's approach in the game is zero now," Prasanna told PTI.

"Money is ruling the game now and it hurts as cricket has been a glorious game of uncertainties. During our times if a batsman was out but the umpire was in dilemma, the batsman himself used to walk out. That was called the gentleman's game but now nobody is bothered.

"Cricketers think that umpires are paid well and it is their duty to judge. The whole approach has changed," the former off-spinner, who has taken 189 wickets in 49 Tests between 1967 to 1978, said.

Prasanna insisted that the BCCI's working committee meeting on Sunday was nothing more than a sham.

"It is a simple step of manoeuvring and sham. It was expected that Board chief N Srinivasan would resign but it did not happen. He has 'stepped aside' and I don't know what will be his powers now," he said.

"If this was the case then why did they deliberate for so long. They could have done it before. I guess (Jagmohan) Dalmiya has only three months time and I don't think that despite being a former president he can set things right in such a short span of time," said Prasanna.

Stating that it was not a workable solution, Prasanna said, "I don't think that this is going to work. Nothing is clear and it will further enhance complications."

He felt that legalising betting in cricket was a possibility, which could be explored.

"I am not endorsing the suggestion to legalise betting but I feel that it is a possibility which can be explored like in horse racing. Betting is a gamble where no player, no franchise and no official is involved. They can talk to horse racing officials in this regard," he said.

Asked about his views on the Indian T20 League, Prasanna supported the cash-rich T20 league, saying, "I don't think that IPL is not giving anything to Indian cricket. Fielding standards of our players have gone higher. This league provides a platform for youngsters to showcase their skills. It is good for cricket."